No Olympics for NHL players

The NHL announced Monday that it will not participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, saying it sees no tangible benefit in halting its season for three weeks next February despite clear signs from the world's best players that they want to go.

Commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly informed NHL Players Association officials that the matter was "officially closed" after weeks of speculation. The NHL had allowed its players to participate in the last five Olympics dating to 1998, giving the Winter Games pro-level star power akin to the NBA players who participate in the Summer Olympics.

Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews gets a shot off during the second period Monday against the Sabres. AP PHOTO

Georgetown has hired Patrick Ewing to be its men's basketball coach, bringing the Hoyas legend back to the school he helped build into a national power as a player in the 1980s.

Ewing led the Hoyas to their only national championship in 1984, and now he takes over for the son of the man who coached him at Georgetown.

John Thompson III, the son of Big John Thompson, was fired last month after two consecutive losing seasons.

Kentucky freshman De'Aaron Fox says he will enter the NBA draft and hire an agent, becoming the first of several Wildcats underclassmen who could leave after reaching the Elite Eight this season.

The 6-foot-3 guard is a possible NBA lottery pick and was expected to make this move.

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Fox said in a statement he thinks "it's time for me to live out my dream." He scored a career-high 39 points against UCLA in the South Regional semifinals, his next-to-last game with the Wildcats.

PRO HOCKEY

Matthews nets record

Auston Matthews scored his 39th goal to set the record for most by an American-born rookie and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the host Buffalo Sabres, 4-2, to move closer to clinching their second playoff berth in 12 seasons.

Nazem Kadri had a goal and an assist, James van Rimedsyk and Leo Komarov also scored, and Frederick Andersen made 18 saves for the Maple Leafs in their fourth straight win.

North Chelmsford native Jack Eichel and Ryan O'Reilly scored for Buffalo. It was Eichel's 24th goal of the season.

GENERAL

Ryan to talk a good game

Rex Ryan is taking his bluster to the TV studio.

ESPN announced the former Buffalo Bills and New York Jets coach is joining its "Sunday NFL Countdown" show as an analyst.

He will also contribute to SportsCenter and ESPN Radio. He will make his debut Saturday as part of the network's coverage of Florida State's spring game.

The Minnesota Vikings have signed quarterback Case Keenum, acquiring the experienced backup sought for starter Sam Bradford with the unlikelihood that the rehabilitating Teddy Bridgewater will be ready to play this season. ... Right fielder Stephen Piscotty became the latest St. Louis Cardinals' youngster to agree to a long-term contract, finalizing a $33.5 million, six-year deal that includes a team option for a seventh season.

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